Iran attacks Gulf countries after fresh US strikes
Iran launched missiles and drones targeting its Gulf neighbors early this morning in retaliation for recent US strikes and announced the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz until further notice.
Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE reportedly came under attack, undermining the US-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict.
The US stated it had conducted strikes against Iran early Sunday after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired upon a Cyprus-registered container ship, alleging it was navigating an “unauthorised route” through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian state media, the IRGC reported hitting a second vessel, accusing it of “violating regulations.”
“A vessel that had jeopardised maritime security by switching off its systems was struck and brought to a halt,” the IRGC navy said.
Shortly thereafter, US Central Command announced it had carried out strikes against at least 140 targets in Iran.
“The United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait,” the military stated.
The targeted sites included missile and drone installations, naval capabilities, ammunition depots, communication networks, and surveillance locations.
In response to the American attacks, the IRGC declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies typically flow, warning of a severe response to US “aggression.”
Lindsey Graham, key Trump ally, dies after sudden illness
Lindsey Graham, a longtime US senator and prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, died early Sunday from a sudden illness at the age of 71.
Graham’s unexpected death is expected to have significant repercussions in Washington and within the Republican Party. He had represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2003 and was campaigning for re-election in November.
A retired Air Force Reserve colonel and military lawyer, Graham was known for his hawkish stance, supporting the Iraq war and advocating for military action in various conflicts.
He opposed the nuclear agreement negotiated under President Barack Obama and was one of Trump’s most vocal defenders amid the current tensions.
Several Israeli leaders expressed condolences. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, stated:
“Today, Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. Senator Lindsey Graham stood with Israel not because it was easy, but because he believed it was right. His unwavering support, courage, and moral clarity earned him the admiration of millions of Israelis.”
India condemns attack on commercial vessel off Oman
India’s foreign ministry condemned an attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman earlier today.
The ministry reported that 10 of the 11 Indian nationals aboard have been rescued, while one remains missing.
India’s embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities in ongoing search and rescue operations, the ministry said.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region.
The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest.”
Iran asserts control over the Strait of Hormuz
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, declared that Iran has taken control of the Strait of Hormuz with “power.”
“We have taken control of the strait of Hormuz with power, and we will preserve it with power as well.”
The recent exchange of strikes occurred hours after regional diplomats concluded talks aimed at resolving the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran regards as a key leverage point in negotiations with Washington.
During talks on Saturday, Oman proposed a plan to fully reopen both shipping lanes through the strait, according to a diplomat briefed on the negotiations.
The proposal suggested that the southern route through Omani waters would reopen without requiring prior approval, returning to the status quo before US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February.
However, the Iranian delegation was unable to secure approval for the plan in Oman and returned it to Tehran for internal deliberations, the diplomat told Axios.
The US demands that Iran publicly commit to ceasing attacks on ships in the strait and ensure that all lanes remain open without tolls.
